The Beatles Anthology’s New Twist: A Fresh Take on the Legendary Band's Story

Disney+ has rolled out the revamped version of "The Beatles Anthology" this week, complete with a brand-new Episode 9 that gives an entirely new spin to the original 1995 docuseries. This episode concludes the series in a way more memorable than the original series' gradual fading out with the band's breakup. This refreshing closure, coupled with an additional hour of context and feeling, seems to uphold fans' expectations.

Anticipation for the new episode's premiere grew as its director, Oliver Murray, shared the motivation behind his updated ending with Variety. Murray, who was previously enlisted by Apple Corps to direct a short film on the "final Beatles single," "Now and Then," was seen as the ideal candidate to weave together archival footage with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. In the mid-'90s, the trio reconnected as "active Beatles," working on expanding old John Lennon home demos for the “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love” songs that were incorporated into the “Anthology” albums. They even attempted to work on “Now and Then,” a process that only came to fruition in 2023, but Murray hints at its until in Episode 9.

Being British himself, Murray found it essential to depict the trio as relatable figures realizing their legacy. Their story, according to him, is a timeless piece of modern, 20th-century folklore, much like 'The Lord of the Rings'. With his work on the "Now and Then" film proving successful, Apple's decision to assign Murray the job was a no-brainer. With the old Beatles narration intact, Murray seized the opportunity provided by Episode 9 to dig deeper into how it felt to be a Beatle.

Sticking with the footage from the '90s, the interviews and behind-the-scenes looks stop in time with the original series, providing a unique, almost nostalgic perspective. Maintaining the authentic chronology, Murray chose the path of retelling the Beatles' story thematically. The balance between exploring unseen interviews, improving the look with a modern touch while preserving the essence of the original content, was key. He wanted youth coming to the Beatles' story for the first time to find it accessible, but also to offer plenty of insights into the band's depth for the lifelong fans.

The Beatles’ heritage appears to have grown larger over time, evolving from vinyl records and tape cassettes into pixels and streams. Their story engages, adapts, and resonates with younger audiences. With 50% of the material unseen before, the high-quality restoration and edit provide a unique viewing experience even for the fans well-acquainted with the Anthology series.

The dynamics among the Beatles, evident in the interviews and interactions, forged in their teenage years, seem rekindled during their time at Abbey Road. The three men's camaraderie and respect for each other's perspectives serve as testimonies to the deep friendships they formed. These relationships prove to be just as compelling today as it was over half a century ago.

The Beatles' story is a timeless tale of young working-class boys with a dream who went on to conquer the world. Despite its age, Murray believes it holds the same timeless quality as classic literature. It's a cultural language passed down through generations. Their story endures, much like Shakespeare, in its longevity, captivating new and existing fans alike.